Allen Iverson 'ready to go back'

Former NBA MVP Allen Iverson expects to receive medical clearance on Monday to resume playing after being sidelined for the past two months with a lesion in his right calf, says his business manager, Gary Moore.

Iverson

"He's going to start rigorous training as soon as he has clearance," Moore said. "He's determined to get back to playing."

Iverson was playing with Besiktas, a Turkish League team, when he returned to the United States in January after tests showed a growth between the muscle and bone in his right calf.

After consulting with several doctors, Iverson opted to have reputed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews attempt a non-surgical procedure that involved anti-inflammatory injections around the growth.

The procedure apparently worked. Iverson has been running and getting up shots for several days now, according to Moore, and will see Andrews Monday for a final examination.

Besiktas was 14-7 and in fifth place in Turkey's 16-team first division as of Friday, with nine regular-season games left. Moore said he has kept Besiktas' coaching staff apprised of Iverson's condition. Besiktas is 7-1 since Iverson's injury.